92% of malware is delivered via email and Microsoft 365 is often the targeted platform.
Microsoft 365’s (M365) success has made it a prime target for cybercriminals that are constantly evolving their tactics. This makes it difficult for native security measures to keep up. While M365 has made significant improvements to their overall cybersecurity, their email security still suffers from gaps when trying to protect against advanced phishing, malware, and exploits.
Budget-constrained enterprises that solely rely on M365's built-in security continue to be at risk of getting breached unless they deploy an additional email security layer, such as OPSWAT's MetaDefender for Microsoft 365. By augmenting M365's security with complementary technology, organizations benefit from a more robust security posture, reducing the risk of business disruption and data loss.
Let’s explore the main email security weaknesses experienced by Microsoft 365 users.
Advanced Phishing Bypasses M365 Security
Native email defenses often fail to keep pace with the evolving tactics of spammers and phishers. These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using social engineering, URL hiding, credential harvesting and other tactics to deceive users.
Microsoft 365's native anti-spam and anti-phishing measures may not provide adequate protection against these advanced threats.
The consequences of a successful phishing attack can be severe, leading to unauthorized access, data theft, financial loss and reputational damage. Organizations need a more sophisticated defense strategy to protect against these threats and ensure the security of their email systems.
Delayed Detection of Unknown Malware
On average, it takes 49 days to identify new malware strains, leaving a substantial window for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
Native email security measures often fall short in quickly identifying and blocking unknown malware, leaving organizations exposed for extended periods. The longer malware goes undetected, the more damage it can do, from stealing sensitive data to compromising entire systems.
Microsoft 365's inherent delay in detecting these threats extends the window of opportunity for attackers.
This delay is not just a security concern but also a business one. Prolonged exposure to malware can lead to significant financial losses, regulatory fines, and a decline in customer trust. Businesses need a way to shorten this detection window and respond more effectively to these continuous threats.
Exposure to Zero-Day Malware Threats
Microsoft 365's reliance on a few anti-malware engines contributes to its vulnerability to zero-day attacks.
For Microsoft 365 users, this means that even with regular updates and patches, they might still be vulnerable to these sophisticated attacks.
The unpredictable nature of zero-day threats requires a proactive and comprehensive defense solution. Organizations need to assume that they could be targeted at any time and prepare accordingly. This includes having systems in place that can detect and neutralize threats before they can cause harm.
File-Based Exploits in Common Microsoft Office Documents
The prominence of Microsoft Office and PDF documents in everyday business operations presents a significant security challenge. Some organizations with limited budgets depend exclusively on the native security features of Microsoft 365, leaving them more vulnerable during periods of escalating email attacks.
These files, often exchanged without a second thought, are prime targets for cybercriminals who embed malicious code within them. The trust placed in these common file types makes them perfect vehicles for delivering file-based exploits. Employees frequently open Office documents, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making them especially susceptible to attack if proper security measures are not in place.
Zero-day attacks exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities, making them particularly difficult to defend against when native security measures do not recognize them yet as threats.
File-based exploits take advantage of vulnerabilities within these common applications to execute malicious activities, often without the user's knowledge. These activities can range from data exfiltration to unauthorized access to system resources, and even ransomware deployment. The stealthy nature of these exploits means they can infiltrate networks and remain undetected for long periods, leading to significant security breaches and potential loss of sensitive information.
Compliance and Data Leakage
Data leakage and non-compliance can result in severe penalties, loss of customer trust, and long-term damage to a company's reputation. With multiple regulations to consider such as GDPR, PCI, HIPAA, GLBA, FINRA and more, the stakes are higher than ever. However, Microsoft 365's standard security features may not provide the level of protection and oversight required to ensure compliance and prevent data leakage.
Sensitive data can be inadvertently exposed through various means, including improper sharing settings, unauthorized access, and more. Organizations must have robust systems in place to monitor, detect, and prevent these incidents to protect their sensitive information and stay compliant with regulatory requirements.
In Summary
Microsoft 365's email security, while effective for some email threats, is increasingly inadequate against advanced cyberattacks. The growing sophistication of these attacks and the severe impact of breaches necessitate a more comprehensive security response beyond what M365 currently offers.
M365's delay in detecting malware and susceptibility to zero-day and insider threats necessitates a Zero Trust email security approach. The risk of exploits via Office documents and data breaches further emphasizes the need for advanced security measures beyond Microsoft 365's native capabilities to maintain compliance and secure sensitive information.
MetaDefender for Microsoft 365 addresses these challenges by implementing a Zero Trust model and rigorously verifying every email and attachment. It adds an essential layer of defense, crucial in an environment where native perimeter security is insufficient against advanced email threats, including unknown malware and phishing attacks.
Ready to maximize your M365 security posture?
It's time to consider the next step with MetaDefender for Microsoft 365, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced features that address the security gaps above.
